Motorcycle accidents are deadly, and they’re rising at an alarming rate in Colorado. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, since 2015, motorcycle deaths have risen 57%.
When you think of motorcycle crashes, most people think of reckless drivers or dangerous road conditions. But there’s another factor that can cause serious injuries and often goes unnoticed: motorcycle defects.
If a defective part or manufacturing issue led to your accident, you might be able to hold more than just the other driver responsible. However, in situations like these, you’ll need to work with a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer in Colorado.
Let’s break down how these defects play into your accident liability claim.
A Quick Review of Motorcycle Defects
Motorcycle defects are problems with how a bike or its parts were manufactured, designed, or installed. These issues can cause sudden, dangerous failures, often without any warning, and result in devastating consequences.
Common examples include:
- Faulty brakes that fail under pressure.
- Tire defects that lead to blowouts and crashes.
- Throttle or clutch problems that cause loss of control.
- Electrical failures leading to sudden shut-offs.
- Frame cracks or welding flaws that make bikes unstable.
A rider can’t predict or prevent these situations, which increases the risk of a deadly accident. So, when something goes wrong because of a manufacturing flaw, the rider often pays the price.
Motorcycle Defects and Accident Liability
When motorcycle defects play a role in a crash, the way you look at accident liability changes completely. Instead of assuming a rider or another driver is fully responsible, the focus shifts to whether the bike itself failed to perform safely.
If you hire a skilled motorcycle accident attorney, they’ll investigate beyond the scene of the accident to see what led to the crash. This accident investigation might reveal that a part failed under normal use, a known issue was ignored by the manufacturer, or a recall was never properly communicated.
In other cases, it could be a faulty installation or poor-quality aftermarket part from a repair shop. Sometimes, the defect goes back to the drawing board, which means a flaw in the original design that was never corrected.
These motorcycle defects open the door to claims against companies, not just drivers. You can hold manufacturers, distributors, and service providers responsible for putting you at risk. If you were hurt because a bike or part didn’t work the way it should have, you may be able to pursue compensation for your injuries, losses, and long-term impact.
Who Can Be Held Responsible
Whether it’s a car or motorcycle crash, accident liability doesn’t just fall on one person or company. When motorcycle defects are involved, several parties could share the blame:
The Manufacturer
If the motorcycle or one of its components was flawed from the start, whether due to a design issue, poor materials, or faulty assembly, the manufacturer can be held legally responsible. They must ensure all bikes leaving the factory are safe to ride.
The Dealership
Dealerships can be liable if they sell a motorcycle with known issues or fail to address safety recalls before handing it over to the buyer. Selling unsafe bikes without disclosing problems is a serious breach of trust and legal responsibility.
The Repair Shop
A mechanic or service center could be at fault if they installed the wrong part, performed repairs incorrectly, or used low-quality components. Even a small mistake in repairs can lead to a major failure on the road.
The Parts Supplier
If a third-party supplier distributes defective or counterfeit parts, they may be held accountable. These faulty components can compromise the entire bike’s safety, especially if used in critical systems like brakes or tires.
Damages You Can Recover in a Motorcycle Defect Case
When motorcycle defects are responsible for your crash, you can recover more than just basic insurance payouts. You may be entitled to:
Medical Bills
You can recover the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and follow-up appointments. If your injuries require ongoing care or future treatment, those projected costs may also be included in your compensation.
Lost Income
If your injuries kept you from working, you can claim the income you lost during your recovery. In more serious cases, this can also include lost future earnings if you’re unable to return to your previous job.
Pain and Suffering
This covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries. It includes both short-term trauma and long-term effects like anxiety, depression, or reduced quality of life.
Bike Repair or Replacement
If your motorcycle was damaged or totaled due to the defect, you may be reimbursed for repair costs or the full value of the bike. This also includes damage to any safety gear or personal items involved in the crash.
Punitive Damages
If the manufacturer or another party knew about the defect and ignored the risks, the court may award punitive damages as punishment. These are meant to discourage similar behavior in the future and show that negligence has serious consequences.
However, you’ll need help from a competent Colorado-based motorcycle accident lawyer if you want to increase your chances of recovering these damages. They know how to handle negotiations with the insurance companies and even represent you in court (if your accident liability claim goes to trial).
Strengthen Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
Motorcycle defects can be life-threatening, and when they lead to crashes, you shouldn’t be stuck holding the bag. Hiring a competent motorcycle accident attorney can help you hold the right people responsible and get the support you need to recover.
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle crash and something about it just doesn’t add up, speak with our skilled lawyers at Manning Herington Accident & Injury Attorneys. Our seasoned motorcycle accident lawyers have helped many Colorado riders recover what they deserve. Like them, you might have a case that goes far beyond a typical insurance claim.
Call 720-649-4747 or fill out our online form to get started.
